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Entered according to Act of Congress. 
in the year 1904, 

By JACOB KURTZ 
and PAUL HERMAN PHILLIPSON. 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 



PRINTED BY 

THE MILWAUKEE PRINTING CO., 

Milwaukee, Wis., U. S. A. 

Owners of the Exclusive Publishing Right. 



iNTs o w a s s a 



A DRAMA OF 
WISCONSIN'S INDIAN DAYS, 



....BY.... 

JACOB KURTZ 

....AND.... 

PAUL HERMAN PHILLIPSON. 




STAGE EDITION. 






UBftAftY at CONGRESS 
Two Gootes Received 
MAY 28 1904 

(\ Cooyrlrtt entw , 

Vku-r- /£ /fa*/ 

CLASS^P XXe. Na 
COPY B 



-*%& 



"Ye whose hearts are fresh and simple, 

Who have faith in God and Nature, 

Who believe that in all ages 

Every human heart is human 

That in even savage bosoms 

There are yearnings, longings, cravings 

For the good they comprehend not, 

Listen to this simple story:" 



-LONGFELLOW. 



CAST. 

Askeeno, the chief of the Winnebagos. 

Nisowassa, his daughter. 

Issanowah, his son. 

Wabeno, the priest of the Winnebagos. 

Kickwayuh. 

Massanoh. 

Dahinta. 

Manamonah. 

Mangothasie. ) Chiefs of the MenomineeSi 

Wabasso. \ 

Oche-Monesah, an aged woman of the Iroquois tribe. 

Two Sentries. 

Winnebago and Menominee warriors, squaws, children. 



Scene : At the upper Milwaukee River. 
Time: The beginning of the 16th century. 



ACT i. 

(A forest valley. A number of Indian wigwams decorated with picture 
writing. In the center of the background, the large wigwam of Chief Askeeno, 
brightly colored and hung with pelts and Indian trinkets. To the left, near the 
background, a practicable path, which leads downward in scarcely perceptible 
steps. In the foreground, to the left, a few mounds, which are covered with low 
bushes and so arranged that they may be easily ascended. A few large trees, 
behind which, half concealed, the tents of the Indians are erected. In the left 
foreground a tree-stump. Evening twilight. 

The landscape is merged in the light of the setting sun.) 

SCENE i. 

(Nis. sits on the stump of a tree, weaving a wampum belt; Oche-M. stands 
before her in a stooping posture, supporting herself on a knotty staff.) 

Nis. 
Look, Monesah, as though the puckie-tshiewies 
Had helped to string the wampum for the girdle ! 
Time flies as does the arrow of the hunter 
And labor seems no longer wearisome 
When you relate' the fairy tales of sunland. 
Bright sunshine there, and everlasting spring; 
But here — a timid, snow-wreathed summer tide, 
And in my nation's hearts eternal winter. 
Oh! That they, too, would listen to your voice, 
Which rings in mellow strains of peace and love, 
And from their hearts the icy crust of vengeance 
Would melt away like sungold-flooded snow. 

Oche-M. 
'T is hard, my child, to extirpate the hatred 
'Twixt evening and morning, for as old 
As are these forests is the feud, transmitted 
From father unto son, from son to grandchild. 

Nis. 
But tell me, Monesah, what is the cause 
Of these hostilities? 

Oche-M. 
Who'd know that, child? 
A bitter quarrel may in course of time 
Grow out of the most petty incident. 
The hatred does persist, e'en though its cause 
May be forgotten long. Aye, Nature even 
Lies in perpetual warfare with herself. 
For mark, my child, that which is old and feeble 
Needs must give way to vigorous existence. 
But the Menominees and Winnebagos 



Are not a prey to merciless destruction 
When strengthened by the bonds of brotherhood. 
Thus let us work ! A day will dawn for us 
On which from mountains to the sea afar 
The song of harmony and love resounds. 

Nis. 
O, Monesah, how grand the earth would be, 
If naught but love and peace would reign supreme 
Within its borders. All-kind Manitu! 
The while of love and harmony we dream, 
The braves of the two nations rend each other 
Upon the bloody battle-grounds. None knows 
How many to their wigwams may return ! 
— Would that I knew if Mangothasie, too, 
Participated in the fray last night — 
Speak, Monesah, when did you see him last? 
Did he take part? You torture me! — He did! 
Your lifeless features do betray the worst. 
— He's gone and lost — forever lost ! 

(She breaks down, violently sobbing.) 

Oche-M. 

(Bending down to her, fondly caressing her head.) 

My child, 
Your mother called you "Daysleep," for at night, 
When ghastly rose the moon above, you ran 
Devoid of fear, down to the river's banks 
To catch the fish or look for shining pearls. 
And now — Behold! — Is this my Nisowassa? 
Who would anticipate the worst? Be calm, 
He was not there. 

Nis. 
You say he had no part 
In the affray? Oh, for these happy tidings 
Take, Monesah, my thanks. Yet, I would know 
What reason gave he to exempt himself? 
— Monesah! do tell me, is he dead? 
Your silence is tormenting. — He is gone, 
Is lost — is dead. — 

(She weeps violently.) 

Oche-M. 
With blessed joy the bride is wont to weep, 
When bold and heedless of impending danger 



Her lover storms into the bloody battle 
To gain for her a string of precious beads. 

Nis. 
A string of precious beads?— And Mangothasie? 

Oche-M. 
You've heard of the magician, who far-off 
Roams in the Mississippi vale, where wild 
And grand the falls of Minnehaha roar? 
His wigwam hides a precious wampum necklace, 
So beautiful and of a gorgeous lustre 
As is the dew in sunlight radiance ; 
An ancient sacred gift of Hiawatha 
When his abode was still among the mortals ; 
A legend of this ornament relates 
That whosoever owns it is protected 
For all times from the breath of evil spirits. 

Nis. 
For me will Mangothasie get this jewel? 

Oche-M. 
Full seven times the sun must rise and set 
Ere he can reach the Meda's lonely wigwam; 
Expect him back when half-faced shines the moon. 

Nis. 
You tell me when on native soil again 
He sets his foot? Oh, do! 

Oche-M. 

Indeed, I shall; 
I'll soon return to you with merry tidings. 
And now, farewell, my child. 

Nis. 

O, Monesah ! 
Do tarry yet awhile, I beg of you, 
Something affrights me. All the warriors, 
And father, too, are on the path of war. 
Alas ! my father — would that he returns ! 
Why could he not subdue his stubborn hate 
And peacefully abide here in his lodge, 
While Issanowah, soon matured to manhood, 
With game supplies the wigwam's homely hearth. 
Yet, for this only brother, too, I fear. 



His veins are charged with father's fire-blood. 

Impatiently does he await the day 

When in the stern array of warriors 

He be proclaimed a warrior himself. 

Day after day he practices his skill 

With bow and shaft, amid his many playmates. 

This is a day of rest in our village. 

Wabeno went to offer sacrifices, 

And any game-at-arms is sacrilege — 

Till he returns. I fear that just to-day — 

(Shouting in the distance, gradually approaching and growing louder: 
Hu— hoo! Ha— loo! Ha— hoo! Hu— loo!) 

Come, let us go. It cuts me to the heart 
To look upon these youthful, frantic sports 
Which like the fathers' games in bloodshed end. 

(Both enter Askeeno's wigwam.) 

SCENE 2. 

(Eight or ten boys, from 14 to 17 years old, come wildly rushing upon the 
scene. Two of them carry the effigy of a Menominee which they deposit in the 
center of the stage. An arrow is buried in the left eye of the figure. Issano- 
wah, a youth of 18 years, places himself next to the effigy. The others, forming 
a ring, dance about him with rythmically measured steps, ejaculating the fol- 
lowing with primitive monotony: Hu — hoo! Ha — loo! Ha — hoo! Hu-loo! 

Massanoh, who had come with the boys, sits down on the tree-stump to the 
left. After the fourth or fifth round, the boys suddenly break off.) 

First Boy. 
Issanowah's arrow blinded 
The Menominee, the cunning. 
Look ! The arrow in the left eye 
Where the fleeting life is seated. 

Second Boy. 
With the swiftness of the lightning 
Issanowah's arrow darted, 
Jasper-tipped and lightly feathered. 

Third Boy. 
He, Askeeno's noble offspring, 
Was victorious in the war-game. 
He has shown himself a hero 
With the arrow in the war-game. 

Fourth Boy. 
Issanowah was victorious, 
He has shown himself a hero, 
He has grown to be a warrior, 



Hail the noble Issanowah ! 
Issanowah. 

(Kneels down on his left knee. His left hand touches his forehead, tht 
right one is laid on his chest. The following three lines he speaks with upward 

fflflllCBS " } 

Thanks to Manitu, the father, 
To the greatest of all spirits, 
To the Master of all life. 

(Rising:) 

Thanks to you, my friends, my brothers 
For the happiness, the interest 
O'er the victory of your comrade. 
Yet, be sparing in your praises, 
For upon this very place 
Greater honors have been gained. 

First Boy. 
And though before you many others have 
Gone forth victoriously from our games, 
May not the friend rejoice with him he calls 
The dearest of his playmates. Therefore, brothers : 

The Boys. 
Hugh! Hoo! Ha— loo! Hu— loo! 

(They resume their dance around Issanowah, which after the third round 
is interrupted by Massanoh.) 

Massanoh. 
Young striplings, you have screamed your fill methinks 
I must confess, the shaft struck well its aim ; 
'Tis long since that I saw a better marksman 

Than you 

Issa. 

To none but you I owe the skill 
To aim my arrow at the flying bird, 
Full many an effort you have vainly squandered 
Ere I became a fairly able archer. 

Massa. 
Alas ! 'Tis all Massanoh can accomplish. 

Issa. 
You are not yet too old to bend the bow 
To throw the spear, or hurl the tomahawk! 

Massa. 
Could you but feel the grievance of my soul 
To be condemned to watch wigwams and women, 



The while the other braves are gone ahunting 
Or on the warpath. Speak, has sister Nisowassa, 
Who gently nursed the injured warrior, not told you 
That a Menominee's battle ax has shattered 
My right arm to the bone? 

Issa. 

Forgive, Massanoh, 
My overhasty and untimely judgment. 

Massa. 
'Tis well, my Issanowah, yet, mark well : 
Respect old age, that, some day, when your head 
Is covered with the snow of many winters 
Your children, too, respect their hoary father. 

Issa. 
Oh, tell us of the battle, we beseech you, 
In which you lost the power of your arm. 

Massa. 
Not now — another time — for I must raise 
The nets which I have set betimes this morning. 

Issa. 
Pray, good Massanoh, stay with us and tell us 
Of our fathers' roaming in these forests. 

First Boy. 
Aye, Massanoh, now will tell us 
Of the great Wabeno Tshano — 

Second Boy. 
Of the holy Hiawatha, 
And of handsome Minnehaha. 

Third Boy. 
Of the flood's tempestuous raging 
And of Manitu's great power 

Fourth Boy. 
Of the giant 

Chorus of Boys, (joining) 
Wendigo 



Who devoured the papooso. 

Massa. 
Peace, peace, young striplings, seat yourselves and listen 
To what Massanoh is about to tell you. 



But, take good heed, if you are ill-behaved 
You will be punished and must carry wood. 

The Boys. 
Uh ! St !— Hush, hush ! We're still. 

(Massa. sits down on the stump, the boys take their seats on the ground 
around Massanoh. Two of the boys quarrel about the best seats but are quickly 
called to order by the others.) 

Massa. 
In the valley Manamonah 
And the valley Manahwaukee, 
Where the golden waterlilies 
Blossom and the rice is sprouting, 
You can find no greater heroes 
Than the Winnebago warriors. 

Never, though with unfatiguing , 

Footsteps you may wander, wander 
From the banks of Gitche Gumce 
To the Mississippi valley, 
Never will you find a nation 
With so many scalps and trophies, 
With so many wampum trinkets, 
Sparkling pearls and handsome women, 
As the tribe of Winnebago, 
Hence the envy and the hatred 
Of the cowardly Menominee. 
Scabutha, the evil' spirit, 
Was by Gitche Manitu 
Banished from the blessed island; 
For without an amulet 
Had he entered Paradise, 
Hate begetting, horror spreading, 
Did he set his foot among us 
And he planted seeds of discord 
In the hearts of the two nations. 
Thanks to Manitu, the father! 
Ever guarded in his keeping 
Were his Winnebago children. 
For from every battle glorious 
Trophy-laden we returned, 
Youthful still, and yet victorious. 
Wildly in the war dance whirling 
Were our warriors enraptured. 



Thousand scalp-locks I had captured 
Ere the name of "Chief" I earned 

Of the Winnebago nation 

Short but was my fame's duration. 
O'er me heavy storm clouds lowered ; 
The Menominee, the coward 
Robbed me of my right arm's power. 
Vainly do I seek the hour 
Of great Manitu's revenge. 

Issa. 
But who, Massanoh, was it that informed you 
When danger threatened from the enemy? 

First Boy. 
You do not know, it seems, that in our village 
The brave Kickwayuh is the cleverest spy? 

Massa. 
Not he, — the noble Meda was it who 
Brought us the news, inspired by Manitu; 
For Manitu has sent him as his prophet. 

Second Boy. 
'Tis true that he can cause the rain to fall, 
The winds to blow, the thunderstorms to rage? 

Massa. 
Still more is in his power. But look you there! 
He comes himself. Begone! Make haste! Too late — 
His eye which enters even human hearts 
Has spied us. Hush ! Withdraw ! Perhaps that we 
Escape his wrath to-day 

(They withdraw to the background, lowly whispering.) 

SCENE 3. 

(The same. Wabeno appears on the hill to the left. For a few moments 
he arrests his steps, as though lost in musings, then he descends slowly.) 

Wabeno. 

Can it be true, 

Can it be possible that he and yet, 

I heard the voice of Manitu so plainly ; 
"Askeeno falls ! 'Tis my command, that not 
The red son which I have created perish !" 
A vision that I horror stricken saw — 
Woe to our people if what I beheld 
Becomes reality ! And, woe to him 



Who dares to doubt the prophecies of spirits ! 

(Addressing Massanoh and the boys.) 

Why do you stand aghast and speechless? Answer! 
Massanoh, you ! 

Massa. 

Pardon, O holy man, 
That we disturbed your solemn meditations ; 
Your quick returning from the holy mountain 
Came unexpected. 

Wab. 

Speak, what are you doing, 
Surrounded by the boys? 

Issa. 
Permit me that 
I speak, for none but I is guilty if — 

Wab. 
Audacious boy ! Who was it that has taught you 
The customs of our tribe? I do not yet 
Behold the eagle-feather on your tresses, 
And yet, though but a boy, you dare to speak 
Ere you were asked? 

Massa. 
I pray you, do not chide him — 
Wab. 
Who dared to violate the sacred law, 
Indulging on this day of sacrifice 
In the forbidden game-at-arms ? 

Massa. 

Great Meda, 
Upon my hoary head pour out your wrath ; 
Yet, hear the cause, I beg of you, which drove us 
To this offense. 

Wab. 
Relate ! 

Massa. 

'Twas yesterday, 
Ere half the lovely summernight had passed. 
The silvery moonlight deluged our village, 
And at the wigwam of Askeeno lay 
Assembled young and old. while Nisowassa, 



The noble maiden, told them wondrous tales; 

A breathless silence held the listeners 

In magic fascination. Suddenly 

A shriek of horror stirred the peaceful night, 

And in a rush the panic-stricken crowd 

Sought for the sheltering wigwam. All at once 

Dahinta came, whose lonely wigwam stands 

On Manahwaukee's sandy shore, lamenting loudly 

That the Menominees had slain his children 

And robbed him of his squaw while he was netting. 

Wab. 
What further? Speak! 

Massa. 
All eyes betrayed revenge. 
In but the twinkling of an eye the warriors 
Were ready to avenge the knavish theft 
And the most dreadful murder. 

Wab. 

And Askeeno? 

Massa. 
At first he tried to quell the threatening storm, 
Then, failing, he selected sixty warriors, 
The bravest of the tribe, to meet the foe. 

Wab. 
Without my counsel ? 

Massa. 

Naught but this has stirred 
These youthful hearts to emulate their fathers, 
And carried thus away they begged me tell them 
Of the heroic deeds of our nation. 

(From the distance the following cry, which is sung rather than spoken, Is 
heard in short intervals: 

O— Hoo ! O— Hoo ! O— Hoo ! ) 

Issa. 
They come, they come. Let's run to meet the braves 
And help them bring the spoil into the wigwams. 

(The boys run off over the hill to the left, giving expression to their joy by 
loud cheering.) 

Wab. 
C) happy youths! The wailing of the vanquished 
Are to your ears victorious, joyful accents. 

(He ascends a rock.) 

But lo! what do I see! Woe, woe to us! 

10 



SCENE 4. 

(Wabeno, Manamonah, women, children, and old men come rushing upon 
the scene awaiting the returning braves. Their disturbed features betray ex- 
pectancy of evil tidings.) 

Manamonah. 
Wabeno, holy man, what do you see ? 
Speak, is Kickwayuh 

Wab. 

Who asks for Kickwayuh 
When Gitche Manitu's just wrath has stricken 
The bravest of our warriors. Askeeno ! 

Nisowassa. 

(Appears at the opening of the wigwam, with her left hand, holding aside 
the skin which serves as door, and shading her eyes with the right hand, as the 
rays of the setting sun dazzle her.) 

'Twas of my father that you spoke 

SCENE 5. 

(The same. Askeeno, Kickwaj^uh, and a number of warriors, followed by 
the boys. Four men carry a low bier on which Askeeno is lying, apparently life- 
less. Kickwayuh, with his spear lowered, heads the train, which slowly moves 
down the hill to the center of the scene. There arrived, the bier is set down. 
People and warriors form a semi-circle around it. Dull silence. 

Nisowassa, still at her wigwam, suddenly recognizes Askeeno. She throws 
herself upon him with a heart-rending cry:) 

Father! My father! 
Wab. 
Death and destruction ! Woe to our tribe ! 

Nis. 
Right so ! right so ! Cease not your cries of anguish ; 
E'en though you long for rest when night approaches, 
Your mournful sighs shall charm in magic spell 
The slumber-spirit from your couches, and, 
Like to the wicked sprites, forever haunt you, 
Until the weary hand no longer bends 
The time-worn bow, or hurls the blunted spear. 
Here lies the victim of your hate — my father — 
Inhuman sons of Winnebago, look, 
And shrink in horror from your fiendish work ! 

Kickwayuh. 
The bitter flood of tears has veiled your eyes ; 
Your father is not dead, the tomahawk 
Has only stunned the brave. 

11 



Nis. 

You say, he lives? 

(She inclines her ear to Askeeno's bosom.) 

Oh, bliss divine ! His noble heart still throbs. 
Quick, brother, take a cup and swiftly run 
Down to the spring that with its healing water 
I cool our father's feverish, blood-stained brow. 

(Issa. runs off, to the left.) 

SCENE 6. 

Nis. 

(The same, without Issanowah.) 

How peaceful now his features which at sunrise 

Burned fiercely in an ardent battle-craving. 

To you, great Lord of Life, I offer thanks, 

For none but you knows how I treasure him. 

To-morrow, though? What will the morrow bring? 

Aye, one by one, you all will share his fate 

Till none is left, alas ! And, tell me, what 

Drives you to battle, into strife and death ? 

To gather honors — glory? Is it honorable 

To slay your brethren? 

SCENE 7. 

(The same, Issanowah returns and hands a shell, filled with water, to 
Nisowassa.) 

Issa. 

Here, dear sister, here, 
Cool and refreshing as the Midjekiewies. 
But why does not the learned Meda there 
Assist our injured father? 

Kickw. 

I, too, would know : 
Why does the man of medicine not dress 
Askeeno's wounds? 

Several Warriors. 
Aye, cure him ! Cure our chief! 
Explain why you withhold your help from him ! 

Wab. (powerfully). 

Silence ! Down on your knees ! Your faces bury 
Into the dust ! The Lord of Life reveals 
Himself through me. Because I do not heal 

12 



Askeeno's wounds by virtue of my art 
You charge me with forgetfulness of duty? 
Answer me, has Askeeno asked for counsel 
Ere he commenced the strife, as is his duty, 
That I invoked the help of the great spirit? 
You have been punished as you well deserved it. 
I look upon your girdles; not one scalp 
Was captured in the fray. Great, however, 
The loss of warriors seems that you sustained. 

Kickw. 
The blood of thirty of. our bravest men 
Colors the waves of the Menominee. 

Wab. 
Askeeno, listen, thirty braves were slaughtered ! 

Kickw. 
The enemies outnumbered us by far 

Wab. 
Mark well, Askeeno, thirty lives were lost, 
Through your offense. 

Askeeno, 

(Who has meanwhile recovered, raises himself slowly:) 

We had no knowledge that 
Kenosha with three-hundred warriors 
Was on the warpath. Murder and affray 
Of yesterday were but a cunning pretext 

To re-awaken the hostilities 

Of victory certain — our little band 

Went forth to meet the enemy. — Too late ! 

We fell a victim to their treachery. — 

Wedged in the gorge, where the Menominee 

Bends round the hill, we fought — like mountain-lions. 

Alas ! — We could not think of victory ! 

And, fighting we withdrew to the canoes, 

When, suddenly, 'tis all I recollect — 

Kenosha's tomahawk hurled down on me. 

Kickw. 
'Tis more than a miracle that one returned ; 
For with Askeeno's fall our courage sank, 
We saved our wounded chief and then ourselves. 

Wab. 
Your disobedience invoked the wrath 

13 



Of Gitche Manitu upon the tribe, 
And his forgiveness you can implore 
Through naught but heavy penance. 

Ask. 

Is it not 
Penance enough that thirty lives were lost? 

(Murmurs: "Sufficient penance has been done; the Manitu of war has 
slain our fathers, our brothers, our children. Enough of penance.") 

Wab. 

Silence! And do what Gitche Manitu 

Commands through me, his prophet. Hasten, boys ! 

Bring wood of birches and of oak-trees hither 

And stack it mountain-high, the while your daughters 

Of Winnebago gather fragrant herbs 

To wreath the altar, that the incense's odor 

May please the Lord of Life ; the warriors though 

Shall offer e'en their holiest possessions, 

The scalps which they have* gained in glorious battle. 

Ask. 
Stop ! Speak no further ! No, that cannot be 
Great Manitu's command. Are you so eager 
To rob the warrior of his manliness? 
For with the scalp you take his pride and glory, 
Honor and life. No, never will Askeeno 
For such an outrage lend a willing hand. 

Wab. 
Then to the everlasting desert's gloom 
You choose to be condemned, rather than share 
The pleasures of the happy hunting grounds? 

Ask. * 
Not Gitche Manitu, but you impose 
This sacrifice upon us. I divine you ; 
Yo.u fear to lose your influence upon us 
If not we follow blindly your advice. 

Wab. 
Hear not his words, O Gitche Manitu, 
Nor you, ye forest children, hear him not! 
For Scabutha, the wicked, poisoned him, 
His fever-pregnant soul breeds evil thoughts. 

Ask. 
Nor fever nor the evil spirit haunts me 

14 



When ever did a Meda make demands 

Like yours? — = Wabeno, great and holy man, 

Speak, did Askeeno ever shrink 
From any sacrifice, however great? 

Kickw. 
Tis true you ask too much of us, Wabeno. 
What you demand effeminates the brave. 
Require deeds which challenge" our courage 
And our valor ; we are ready — but 
Do spare the scalp, our triumph's holy token. 

Wab. 
Your words are good, your valor is unmarred, 
But Manitu has turned his wrath upon us. 
Full thirty warriors are stricken down 
And not one scalp was captured in the fray 
A sign that Gitche Manitu has not 
Forsaken us. 

SCENE 8. 

(The same. Dahinta appears on the hill to the left, advancing rapidly.) 

Dahinta. 

Wabeno speaks the truth ; 
For not one scalp was captured in the fray, 
But three of them adorn Dahinta's girdle. 

(Dahinta's news is received by the warriors with loud cheers, as: Hallon; 
Dahinta Hugh!— Dahinta lives! Dahinta is victorious!) 

Ask. 
Affront and shame you've taken from our heads. 

Dah. 
My mission was revenge for squaw and children, 
Blood calls for blood — One scalp, I solemnly 
Did vow for each of my beloved lost — — 
And faithfully have I fulfilled my promise. 
My ax has felled the Mische-Mokawa 
This is his scalp — 'twas he who killed my squaw, 
The other two crowned only yesterday 
The heads of Mahnca and of Maskenosha. 

Wab. 
You have been blessed by Gitche Manitu. 
Do all agree that, from this day, Dahinta 
Be ranked as second chief in our council ? 



The Warriors. 
We do! 

Ask. 
If anybody, you deserve this honor. 

Dah. 

I thank you holy man, and you, Askeeno ; 

To all my brothers I give hearty thanks ; 

And, if you think it fair, I will at once 

Take vantage of my right as second chief. 

Send squaws and children to the wigwams, while 

The warriors at the council-fire plan 

An expedition 'gainst the enemies. 

(The squaws and children, urged by Massanoh, scatter and enter the wig- 
wams. Nisowassa, not heeding the command, remains.) 

Ask. 
My inmost thoughts you have expressed, Dahinta, 
War and revenge they are. 

Nis. (aside). 

O, Gitche Manitu 
Strew seeds of brother-love into their hearts ! 

Ask. 
Begone my child, prepare a meal for me. 

Nis. 
Still sick and weak you are, my dearest father, 
Let me be near you, Lo ! ^ou are still bleeding. 

Ask. 
Not so, I have recovered. 

Wab. 

Nisowassa, 
'Tis for the maid unmeet to tarry here. 

Nis. 
Fathers ! Brothers ! forgive me if I venture 
To dwell among you though all others left, 
Full well knows Nisowassa that the woman 
Is scoffed at in the council of the braves 
And may not raise her voice, though it concern 
The welfare of the tribe. Yet, warriors! Brothers! 
Hear me to-day. Could you not live at peace 
With the Menominee, lest you succumb 
And perish in the everlasting feud? 

16 



Oh, glance about! The all-kind father has 
Bestowed his bounteous blessings on your land, 
Look thither ! On their green and sappy halms 
The southwind rocks Mondamin's golden heads, 
And in the waters of the take and river, 
The beavers roam and merry fishes play, 
The forest-shadows hide the nimble deer, 
The buffalo feeds on the prairie's verdure, 
Your eyes meet Nature's plenty everywhere ; 
And yet, among the many thousand aims, 
Your arrows strike but one — your brother's heart, 

Ask. 

'Tis well my child, I listened to your words, 
For you are dear to me. I must confess, 
Full many a truth you have revealed to us. 
But it is unfit and against the custom 
That manly council yield to woman's words. . 
Begone, my child. 

Nis. 

My father ! 
Ask. ' 

Nisowassa \ 

(Nisowassa walks off slowly and enters her wigwam.) 

Wab. 
Aye, Nisowassa's words were true and wise. 
Enough of brother-murder ! another foe 
Will in the far-off East arise and sweep 
Destruction o'er us like the hurricane, 
When, weakened by this everlasting war, 
We're forced to meet him. 

Ask. 

Men of Winnebago! 
Will you without a grumble bear the insults 
Which the Menominees have heaped upon us? 

The Warriors. 
No, no ! Revenge we want ! Bloody revenge ! 

Ask. 
Will you, the bravest tribe of Manitu, 
Be treated like a woman-hearted craven 
By the Menominees, that swamp-bred race? 



17 






The Warriors. 
No! Never! 

Ask. 

Right so ! Those are the words of noble braves ! 

Call Issanowah that he may deliver 

The- sign of war to the Menominee; 

And yours, Dahinta, is the right to crimson 

The wampum with the scalp-blood of the foe. 

(Dahinta off into Askeeno's wigwam.) 

You, Sahma, hasten up the Manahwaukee, 
You, Wonam, downward ; enter every lodge, 
And with the power of your eloquence 
Persuade all Winnebago friends to lend 
Their help in the affray against the foe. 

SCENE 9. 

(The same. Dahinta returns with the belt.) 

Dah. 
Here is the wampum belt. 

SCENE 10. 

(The same. Issanowah.) 

Ask. 

Son of Askeeno ! 
Speak, do you know the meaning of this girdle? 

Issa. 
Indeed, it is a token of the tribe 
That they are on the warpath 'gainst the foe. 

Ask. 
Well said, my son ! Receive it from my hands, 
And what you are to do, impress it well 
Upon your mind. Swim through the Manahwaukee 
Holding the wampum high above your head, 
Lest the Menominee's blood poison the river. 
On hostile soil, look for the chief Ameckie ; 
Is he ahunting, follow till you find him; 
Is he at council with the warriors, find him, 
And hand him silently this gory emblem. 
Go hence, forthwith, and Gitche Manitu 
May grant you speed and safety. 

(Issanowah Is about to depart.) 

18 



(Retaining the boy.) 

You are bold ! 



Wab. 

Issanowah ! 
Ask. 



Wab. 
I am the priest of Manitu — 
I saw his visage at the holy mountain, 
And through my tongue he makes this known to you : 
"Henceforth the red man shall not raise his arms 
Against his brother-tribe. In peace and harmony 
He shall enjoy my gifts, indulge in hunting 
Indulge in joyous games and merry dances, 
But shun the warpath!" 

Ask. 
Then without your blessing 
We'll go — Who ventures to oppose us? 

Wab. 

I! 

Ask. 
You lack the power to keep us. Boy, begone ! 

Wab. 
Then be accursed ! Your eyes may never see 
The blessed hunting grounds, and Manitu 
Will turn his wrath on you and what is yours. 

Some Warriors. 
There shall be peace, as Manitu commands ! 

Ask. 
No peace shall be until our wigwam hoards 
The last one of the scalps of our foes. 
Go, Issanowah, do what I commanded. 

Wab. (powerfully). 

Askeeno ! (to issa.) Stay ! (to Ask.) Give peace unto your people 

Ask. 

No ! Release the boy ! 

Wab. 

The boy remains ! 
SCENE 10. 

(The same. Nisowassa, squaws and children.) 

Ask. 
Then to the everlasting desert go, 

19 



Fiend of the tribe ! 

(He raises his tomahawk to hurl it down on Wabeno. In the same moment 
Nisowassa, recognizing her father's intention, falls into his arms with the cry: 

O, father, father ! 

(In consequence of the sudden shock the tomahawk misses its aim and 
strikes Issahowah, killing him instantly.) 

Nis. 

(Throwing herself over the body of Issanowah.) 

Issanowah — my brother — dead! 

(Askeeno gazes upon the group as though in a trance.) 

Warrior, Women and Children. 
Oh, woe on us ! Horrible ! The wicked Scabutha, 
The desert-spirit, dwells in our midst. 

(Askeeno, still riveted to the spot, glares in grim despair at the dead body 
•of his son.) 

Wab. 
Not Scabutha but Gitche Manitu. 
The crime was followed by the punishment. 
Askeeno, Manitu has slain your son 
Through your own hand, for ravingly you have 
Profaned and violated his commands. 

Ask. 
And though the wrath of Manitu destroy me, 
My hatred blazing like a sacred fire 
Within me must persist ! 

Wab. 

Askeeno, cease ! 

Ask. 
While to the ax my arm its power lends, 
And still my hand its deadly missile sends, 
And still a wish this burning bosom swells, 
And one Menominee among us dwells, . 
I crave his blood, e'en to the failing breath, 
Till victory does quench my thirst or death ! 

(Curtain.) 



20 



ACT 2. 

(The scenic decoration of the first act. Kickwayuh and Manamonah from 
the left. In the background, a few squaws are engaged in spreading out skins, 
knitting nets, sewing garments, etc. Still farther back, children are seen at 
play with dogs, which they employ for riding and carrying burdens. Two long- 
poles are fastened to the neckband of one of the animals, thus forming a sort of 
sledge. Near the lower ends, these poles are joined by several cross-pieces, 
upon which a child may be comfortably seated. A boy leads the dog, and a little; 
girl, 4 or 5 years of age, sits on the sledge.) 

SCENE i. 

Girl. 

Ho, ho ! Hui, hui ! You are too slow. 
The puckie-tshiewies I shall call 
To drive me like the hurricane. 

Boy. 
Hush ! foolish little tattlemouth, 
You're nothing but a watermouse. 
Hold fast, I say, or else you'll fall, 

(They drive off.) 

Manamonah. 
Kickwayuh, speak, do not these merry frolics 
Recall our childhood's long forgotten lore? 
How eager were you then to give me pleasure. 
And now? Scarce do your eyes behold me — 
Will you not share your grief with Manamonah ? 
Unfold to me the troubles of your bosom, 
'Tis meet that I should bear my half of them. 

Kickw. 
Naught, Manamonah, naught — upon my word. 

Mana. 
Kickwayuh, lo ! you do not speak the truth, 
Your glances shyly shrink from meeting mine. 
And ne'er before have you behaved like this. 

Kickw. 
Cease, Manamonah, I it cannot be ! 

Mana. 
I shall not cease until you have disclosed 
The secret of your soul. 

Kickw. 

Well, be it so. 
But do not bear me grudge if what I tell you 
Does cause you pain and heart-grief. — Our fathers 

21 



Agreed that you and I unite in wedlock- 
It satisfied me, and, if e'er I loved you- 



I love you still. Our fathers are no more. 
They fell in battle- 

Mana. 

Aye, in glorious battle ; 
A death most fair for two such warriors 
As were our fathers, brave and noble-minded, 
They roam now in the blessed hunting grounds 
With Gitche Manitu, and hunt the bison. 
Scarce twenty suns have sunk and in your mind 
You've blotted out the fathers' fervent wishes 
A wigwam you have built for Manamonah 
That she may keep the fire upon your hearth 
And spread the lowly couch, when from the chase 
Fatigued and weary you return at night. 

Kickw. 
Aye, Manamonah, 'tis of no avail 

That I should hoard my secret any longer 

1 cannot love you as you merit love. 

Mana. 
Confess, Kickwayuh, that you love another! 

(Kickw. denies it by gestures.) 

Aye, aye, I read it from your countenance 
That, faithless, you deserted me. - 

Kickw. 

No, no, 

Believe me, Manamonah, 'tis not true. 

Scarce do I know myself what stranger feeling 
Does fill my heart with unknown joy and bliss, 
When from afar I gaze upon her features. 

Mana. 
Her features? 

Kickw. 
'Tis since the day on which in fiery accents. 
Amid the circle of the warriors, 
Of peace eternal of the tribes she spoke. 

Mana. 
Ah ! Nisowassa, Chief Askeeno's daughter, 
The prophetess of peace! Go, go, Kichwayuh ! 
Into the Gitche Gumee's azure waters, 

82 



Where they are deepest, cast your love ; for never 
Will Nisowassa dwell within your lodge. 

Kickw. 
And why would not the Sleep-of-Day become 
Kichwayuh's squaw, the bravest of the braves? 

Mana. 
No Winnebago warrior to this day 
Has dared to woo for her, too great and holy 
They deem her bonds of matrimony. 
Not so do men of other tribes regard her ; 
Aye, in a stranger's net the bird was caught. 

Kickw. 
7 Tis falsehood what you say ! 

Mana. 

Kickwayuh, never 

Did Manamonah speak a forked tongue. 

Kickw. 
Incredible appear your tidings 

Mana. 

Yet 

They are true. 

Kickw. 

Speak, who is bold enough 
To crave possession of the Sleep-of-Day? 

Mana. 
A chief of the Menominees, Mangothasie, 
Has slyly caught the pretty forest-bird. 

Kickw. 
Chief Mangothasie— the Menominee? 
Oh, sooner you would witness the betrothal 
Of sun and moon, than that a noble daughter 
Of our tribe could thus -forget herself. 
Two worlds are the two nations, and between them 
A boundless sea of hatred and of blood. 
Who'd build a safe canoe for such a flood? 

Mana. 

Love. 

Mana. 

Love?— Nay, 'tis impossible, I say! 
Go, find another for your idle story. 

23 



Mana. 
What would Kickwayuh do were I to prove it? 

Kickw. 
What I would do? Ah, with my hands I'd tear 
The star of day from his eternal course ; 
I would set fire to the universe, 
Ere a Menominee shall break the flower 
That sprung to blossom for the Winnebago. 
But tell me now from whom the Wild-Rice heard 
This empty gossip? 

Mana. 

Gossip ? — Well you know 
The wandering Meda, Oche-Monesah, 
The last one of the tribe of Iroquois, 
Which roamed of yore upon the Isle of Death — 

Kickw. 
Old Monesah— the Meda? Aye, indeed. 
But what of her? 

Mana. 

This morning early, while 
I was bathing in the river, well concealed 
Behind an oak-tree which the storm had riven, 
I listened to a secret conversation 
Of Oche-Monesah and Nisowassa. 

Kickw. (anxiously). 

What was it that you heard ? 

Mana. 

That Nisowassa 
Has promised for tonight to Mangothasie 
A cozy hour of love, down by the river, 
Beside the holy hill. No sooner than 
The moonrays dance in fondling, lithe caresses 
Upon the Manahwaukee's glimmering waters 
Her Mangothasie lover is on hand. 

Kickw. 
There shall be company !— O, Manamonah, 
Did you speak true? Woe on him, if you did! 
But no, no! With a pretty children's story 
You seek to captivate a warrior's ear. 
'T were folly if I were to give you credence. 

24 



Mana. 

By Gitche Manitu, I swear to you 

That I have told you nothing but the truth ! 

Kickw. 
True then — true? Ho! Awake and listen ! 
Does not the outrage stir you from your dreams? 
Out of your lodges ! Come and gather round me ! 

SCENE 2. 

(The same, Men, women and children come rushing in from all sides in a 
wild scramble; Askeeno last.) 

Many Voices (simultaneously). 
How now? 

What ails you? 

What has happened? 
Are the Menominees approaching? 

Kickw. 
Menominees? Aye, the Menominees ! . 
A secret villany, so base, so rank, 
As our nation ne'er before has suffered. 
Like to a snake it stole into our wigwam 
At dead of night, to dig its venom tooth 
Into a gentle maiden's heart. Come, come ! 
I'll lead you to a still secluded spot, 
Where your own eyes shall see how a Menominee 
Upon the holy mountain's sacred soil 
Profanes a Winnebago-maiden's lips 
With poisonous kisses ! 

Several Warriors. 
Impossible ! 

Kickwayuh is in jest! 
A Winnebago-maid and a Menominee ! 

Ask. 
Whose daughter is the maiden that would dare 
To offer to an enemy her lips? 
Who is the wretch that ventures to seduce her, 
That from his knavish head I tear his scalp? 

Kickw. 
Guard well your heart with shield and flint, Askeeno, 
That you resist the blow which threatens you. 

25 



Ask. 
Who is the maiden? — Name her! 

Kickw. 

Nisowassa, 
The warrior she chose to be her lover 
Is Mangothasie, chief of the Menominees. 

Ask. 

(Who has given a start at the unexpected discovery, suddenly leaps, panth- 
er-like, on Kickwayuh, seizes him by the shoulders, and forces him to the 
ground:) 

Ah, wretched slanderer! Retract this lie, 
Or with my clenched fist I crush your head. 

Kickw. 
Release me ! With my very scalp I vouch 
That I have spoken naught but what is true. 

Ask. 

(Releasing Kickwayuh:) 

O, Manitu, your measure of disgrace 

You pour in overflowing streams on me ! 

What guilt impels such cruel punishment? 

The son, my pride and hope, you've taken from me, 

And now my daughter ! — Oh, she is a pearl 

As purer none the river's shellbed hoards. 

And now this pearl in a Menominee's wigwam. 

Why do you stare at me? Can you not feel 

What I have lost? Does the disgrace not quicken 

Your hearts' pulsations to a treble speed? 

Is she the daughter not, sprung from your tribe? 

Is not the blood which sparkles through her veins 

Your blood as well? Is not the soil you tread 

The very place where you and she were born ? 

A common home — a common origin ! 

1 crave revenge, deadly revenge ! 

The Warriors. 
Revenge ! Revenge ! Revenge ! 

Ask. 
Right so, my warriors. 

Massa. 

Where is Wabeno, 
That he may give his counsel and his blessing? 

Ask. 
A hunt does not require a Meda's blessing. 

26 



Avaunt, all that can carry arms ! But not 

Such as are needed for a glorious battle, 

Nay, poles, and clubs, and cudgels, cast ashore ! 

We go ahunting, not to battle's triumph. 

A dangerous beast of prey skulks near our lodges. 

We have to kill it ! Lo ! The daystar greets 

The Mississippi waves with farewell kisses 

For its nocturnal rest. Let us make haste ! 

Ere yet the pallid sleeplight does emerge 

From Gitche Gumee's billows, our troop 

Must be assembled at the holy hill ! 

(The throng disperses.) 



(Askeeno, Kickwayuh.) 

Still here? 



SCENE 3. 

Ask. 



Kickw. 
Forgive, if I offended you. 

Ask. ' 
You've done naught but your duty. Yet, your tidings 
Were unfit for the ears of squaws and children ; 
What urged you to expose them? 

Kickw. 

Scarce I know ; 
Like to a noxious adder, clinging fast 
Unto the nimble-strided hunter's foot 
To check his progress, something pressed the blood 
Into my eyes, upon my tongue ; had I 
Been silent, lo ! the venom would have choked me 
That Manamonah poured into my ears. 

Ask. 
'Tis strange that Nisowassa's fate should move you. 
Is she your squaw? Forsooth! At other times 
Man does not seek to share his neighbor's interest 
Why does Kickwayuh? Speak! 

Kickw. 

He loves the maiden, 
And worthless does he deem his life without her; 
Aye, barren and deserted seems the wigwam 
Which he has built for Manamonah since 

27 



He looked into the eyes of Nisowassa. 
Give me the Daysleep for my wife, Askeeno ! 
Behold ! When heavy from the weight of time 
Some day your arm grows weary and your glances 
Search vainly for the trails of deer and moose, 
These eyes, these arms will shield Askeeno's wigwam 
And keep the famine from his hearth. 

Ask. 

'T is well, 
Tomorrow she shall share your wigwam's shelter. — 

Kickw. 
Kickwayuh gives you hearty thanks, Askeeno. 

Ask. 

If we succeed to capture the Menominee. 

Kickw. 
I promise you, he'll not escape from us, 
Nor will I dwell one instant in my lodge, 
Unless his scalp adorns my girdle. 

Ask. 

Yet, 
Before I honor you as lawful husband 
Of Nisowassa, on this amulet 
Swear that you'll never lend a willing ear 
To any plans of peace, which spectre-like 
Haunt our tribe of late, and that forever 
You will rekindle the ancestral hatred. 
When, some day, for the happy hunting grounds 
I have departed. 

Kickw. 

(Raising his hands.) 

Gitche Manitu ! 

(Placing his hands on the amulet of Askeeno.) 

I swear to you, by Gitche Manitu, 

I will rekindle the ancestral hatred 

When some day for the happy hunting grounds 

You have departed. 

SCENE 4. 

(The same. Warriors, armed with poles and clubs.) 

Ask. 
Now, men of Winnebago, for the hunt ! 

(The warriors raise the war-yell of the Winnebagos.) 

(Curtain.) 

23 



SCENE 5. 

(At the holy hill. In the background the Milwaukee River. To the right 
the outskirts of a forest. On the left, a practicable hill covering almost half of 
the background and extending far into the wings. At different places poles are 
raised, upon which skulls of animals are fastened. In the right foreground, a 
low mound with the antlers of a stag, representing the grave of Issanowah. 
Pale moonlight. A nightingale is singing but interrupts her song at the appear- 
ance of Oche-Monesah and Nisowassa. When the curtain rises the stage is 
empty for the length of a minute. 

Oche-Monesah and Nisowassa from the left.) 

Oche-M. 

Here tarry, Nisowassa, while I part 

In quest of listeners, though this sacred- soil 

Is rarely trod upon by human feet. 

Yet, prudence is the guardian-god of fortune. 

Nis. 
Why do you leave me? 

Oche-M. 

But to look about 
Lest secret ears be hidden in the woods. 

Nis. 
Oh, do not leave me, Monesah ; I fear 
To be alone at this uncanny place, 
Of which tradition says that all the braves 
Who do not share the joys of paradise 
In ghastly numbers meet on yonder hill, 
Imploring everlasting happiness 
From Manitu, the master of the world. 

Oche-M. 
Such is the legend ; yet, believe it not ; 
For, those that are condemned to roam for aye 
Upon the icy desert, vainly seek 
Forgiveness of Gitche Manitu. 

Nis. 
Look, yonder, look ! O, Oche-Monesah, 
The antlers move on Issanowah's grave — 
I see it plainly — Help, oh, help, great spirit ! 
Woe, brother Issanowah, have you come 
To summon me for vengeance 'gainst the father? 

No naught 't is gone — : — 't is passed. 

Oche-M. 
Awake, my child, the grief for your dead brother 
Breeds empty visions in your mind. Come, come, 

29 



Kneel down and pray on Issanowah's grave, 
While I keep watch till Mangothasie comes. 

SCENE 6. 

(Nis., alone, kneeling down at the grave of Issanowah.) 

Sleep well and peaceful, brother Issanowah, 

If Gitche Manitu does will it so, 

You were the ancient feud's last bloody victim 

Sleep well, until in the hereafter-land 

We meet again as blessed spirits. 

(The nightingale resumes her song. Nis. listens for a few moments, then 
rises slowly and goes towards the background.) 

Hark! 
How sweet your voice, blithe little bird of night, 
So eloquent your melodies of love 
And bliss divine. Oh, happy is who may 
Follow like you the yearnings of his heart, 

Forgetting all the frailties of life 

And soar into the realms of love and joy. 

(The nightingale stops singing.) 

How still it is — a dismal solitude, 

The nightingale fled from the haunt of death. 

I am alone O, Monesah, where are you? 

No answer Mangothasie still .far off 

Time passes in monotonous pulsations. 

Oh, hasten stars and moon to meet the lover 

And tell him that the moment has come nigh. 

(While her eyes searchingly sweep over the glimmering surface of the 
river, a boat merges from behind a little island, and rapidly approaches the 
shore.) 

A boat, a boat ! 'Tis he — 'tis Mangothasie ! 

(She places her hands to her mouth and imitates the luring voice of a wild 
dove. The sound re-echoes from the opposite shore and is thereupon returned 
by Mangothasie. This is repeated two or three times. The boat vanishes be- 
hind some overhanging trees and then reappears suddenly close to the shore. 
A profound silence reigns for a moment, during which the moon rises slowly 
above the forest landscape of the western shore of the river, casting a silvery 
flood of light upon the entire scene. The nightingale resumes her singing. 
Mangothasie alights from the canoe and closes Nisowassa into his arms.) 

SCENE 7. 

Mangothasie. 

My Nisowassa ! Hark, the sweet musician ! 

He sings in strains of love at our meeting. 

Nis. 
Long did I wait for you in anxious musing. 

30 



Mang. 

Nisowassa, flower of the forest, 

Into your stars I look, and in their twinkling 
Naught is revealed but purity and love. 

Nis. 
Speak, Mangothasie : In your native village, 
Do many warriors of Menominee 
Think kindly of our plans for peace? 

Mang. 

My love, 
The feud of ages is but slowly turned 
Into affection ; though with hope effulgent 

1 see the Great-Flood festival approach, 

On which — when the mondamin's grain is bleached — 
The tribes assemble on this sacred ground. 
Then will I work with heart and soul, to further 
The tribal peace. 

Nis. 

Oh, thanks, my Mangothasie! 
While fighting thus you fight for our love. 

Mang. 
For our love, that quenches our yearnings 
And in its bliss does sadden our hearts. 
O, Nisowassa ! that a native wigwam 
' Had sheltered you when you were born! 
Why are all Winnebagos not like you? 

Nis. 
And the Menominees not like Mangothasie? 

Mang. 
Then peace would reign in the two realms supreme ; 
Forever club and tomahawk were buried, 
Forever dumb the woes and wails of war. 
On what immeasurably distant day 
Our wishes may come true, none knows but he 
W T ho in his wisdom rules the universe. 
Unintermittantly the years roll on, 
Life's winter comes, and vainly do we weep 
For the lost splendor of its radiant spring. 
Oh, come, beloved one, and let us fly 
Ere yet the moment parts from us ! Come, come, 

31 



Into the swift canoe, I'll carry you 

Which yonder rocks upon the playful waves. 

Nis. 

(Gently releasing herself from his embrace:) 

Is Mangothasie this — scarce do I know him? — 
Are our noble plans so quickly sunk 

Into oblivion? Peace to our nation 

And then our love. 

Mang. 

O, Nisowassa ! 
Nis. 
While discord grimly separates our tribes, 
A W T innebago daughter may not dwell 
Within the lodge of a Menominee. 

Mang. 
Then let us wander towards the setting sun, 
Where, from the rocky ridge of Manitu, 
Our eyes look down upon a blessed region 
Whose virgin beauty is unmarred by man. 
Oh, thither follow me, my Nisowassa 
To found a wigwam in the peace of nature 
To found a race which lives and longs for love. 

Nis. 
Impossible ! it cannot — dare not be. 

Mang. 
With icy breath the northland's wintry storms 
Benumbed your heart ! 

Nis. 

Not many sunsets hence, 
Till the Okiba-Festival be patient ; 
If then the sign of peace does not adorn 
The headdress of the braves, I'll follow you; 
Till then cease not to labor and to sow 
That on the Great-Flood festival the seed 
May yield a harvest of the sweetest fruit. 
I must depart beloved — fare you well 
For father thinks me sleeping in the wigwam. 

Mang. 

O. Nisowassa, Manamusha, grant me 

Another moment near your heart. Who knows 

If you and I may ever meet again ? 

32 



Nis. 
The sign of Mishe-Mokwa greets aloft — 
Be of good cheer; a luck-foreboding omen . 
For him who sees it gleam in starry heights. 
Farewell, my lover, and be ever mindful 



SCENE 8. 

(The same. Oche-M., breathless, from the right:) 

Oche-M. 
Away, away ! Escape ! 

Mang. 

What happened? Speak! 

Nis. 
Your eyes bear evil tidings; what has happened? 

Oche-M. 
You are betrayed — Askeeno and Kickwayuh — 
They are approaching with a troop of warriors — 
Quick, quick! To the canoe — and save yourselves. 

Mang. 
Here, at my side, protected by my arm, 
You are secure from danger and distress. 

Oche-M. 
Away ! Escape ! No time is to be lost. 

Mang. 
When e'er did Mangothasie fear a foe? 
With you, my Nisowassa, at my side 
I* do not shrink to fight a world in arms. 

Nis. 
The moment that I dreaded has come nigh 
And mournfully I feel that Mangothasie, 
Though I had thought his love for peace sincere, 
Is not yet ripe, not great, not strong enough 
To conquer the wild cravings of his blood. 

Mang. 
O, Nisowassa — shall I flee from here 
Ignobly like a faint-heart? 

Nis. 

I entreat you, 
By our love, flee, Mangothasie, flee ! 

83 



Mang. 

'Tis well — I yield, if to my native wigwam 
You'll follow as my wife else I remain. 

Nis. 
A father's curse will follow if I do. 

Oche-M. 
Too late, too late ! They come — and you are lost. 
O, Gitche Manitu, enlighten me ! 

(She kneels down in silent prayer. Then quickly rising:) 

Praised for his mercy be the Lord of Life ! 
He showed the road me for a safe escape, 
The sacred refuge there on yonder rock 
One step — and you are saved. 

Nis. 

The Lord of Life 

Inspired you with that thought. Go, go ! 

Mang. 
Shall I seek shelter on the holy altar 

Like a faint-hearted maiden? 

Nis. 

Mangothasie ! 

SCENE 9. 

(The same. Askeeno, Kickwayuh, Dahinta and a number of warriors come 
Wildly rushing from the left. Oche-M. retires unnoticed. Nis. and Mang. on the 
holy hill. The warriors halt, struck with the unexpected outcome of their as- 
sault. Rage and hatred are depicted on their faces.) 

Kickw. 
Look yonder ! Let your own eyes prove, Askeeno, 
That I have spoken with a straight-grown tongue. 

Ask. 
The fiend has dulled my sight. Who dares to say 
That yonder woman is Askeeno's daughter? 
Askeeno henceforth is a stranger to her. 

Nis. 
O, Father! Father! Father! 

Mang. 

Not your father ! 
The flower which has blossomed near his heart, 
He spurned it from him like a loathed thistle. 

34 



Ask. 
But well I see thaf you are a Menominee ; 
And well you know what that means for Askeeno. 

Mang. 
Yet with Askeeno I shall never fight. 

Ask. 
Then choose another, great is our number 
And strong enough to tear the scalp from you. 

(Mangothasie raises his tomahawk.) 

Nis. 

(Falling into his arms.) 

No ! No ! — No bloodshed ! 

Mang. 

Men of Winnebago ! 
A solemn pledge binds me unto this woman, 
Betrothed to me by Manitu's command, 
That nevermore I raise the tomahawk 
Against the brothers ! 

Kickw. 
You have stolen her ! 
But mine is Nisowassa, mine. Release her ! 
Askeeno gave his word that she is mine ! 

Mang. 
Aye, from the father you have bought the maiden, 
The gyves of love though bind her unto me. 

Kickw. 
Askeeno, speak, will you endure the insult 
To see a wily fox-heart with his prey 
Seek shelter on our fathers' sanctuary, 
Disgracing all the tribe of Winnebago? 

Mang. 
That is too much ! 

Nis. 

Stay, Mangothasie, stay! 
No fight !— No blood ! 

Ask. 

So low you've sunk, indeed 
That you attempt to stop a warrior 
With childish cues and screams when honor summons? 

Nis. 
Have mercy, father ! 

25 



Ask. 

Were you merciful 
With me and when my honor was at stake? 
Here stands Askeeno, now disgraced, dishonored; 
A target for the sneers of squaws and children 
And by his daughter dragged into the mire. 
Unhand the foe, or I shall fetch him down ; 
Defying Gitche'Manitu and altar. 

The Warriors. 
Aye, seize the faint-heart. Tear him from her arms ! 

(All advance towards the hill with their weapons raised, led by Askeeno.) 

SCENE 10. 

(The same. Wabeno suddenly appears on the hill.) 

Wab. 
Retreat ! Intruders ! Sacred is this haunt, 
He who sought shelter on the holy soil 
Is in the keeping of the Lord of Life. 
The hand which you extend in bold defiance 
Does wither ! 

Ask. 

You, Wabeno? Take good care 
That you forbear to bar my way again ! 
You may regret that you, incessantly, 
Obtrude your disapproval on my actions. 

Wab. 
The wrath of Gitche Manitu hangs o'er you ; 
Does not his curse rest heavy on your head ? 
Does not a dim foreboding tell his nearness? 
Does not his voice's thunder sound within you, 
To lead your passions on the one true road? 

Ask. 
No, naught I hear and naught I feel but hatred, 
Unquenchable, deep-rooted, never dying. 

Wab. 
Into your hands are laid the nations' lots. 
A single word from you decides the moment, 
And peace will reign on Gitche Gumee's shores, 
Which, since remotest days, are wreathed in blood. 
Behold ! a symbol Gitche Manitu has sent ! 

36 



He planted love into these youthful hearts, 
Now beating single notes of joy and peace, 
Obey this sign — give peace unto the nations! 

Ask. 
I crave no peace, nor the Menominee's friendship. 
Down, Nisowassa, down! The holy hill 
Is desecrated by our enemy, 
As also you are if you dwell with him. 

Wab. 
Askeeno ! 

Ask. 
Who is chief of our tribe? 
Speak, you or I? 

Wab. 
You are in bloody strife— 
In times of peace I rule. Full well I know: 
Askeeno bears me secret grudge — but why? 
Alike are our aims — I, too, do strive 
To make our nation great and powerful. 
But two-fold is the road which we pursue ; 
His is the war trail — mine the path of peace ; 
The past has taught us that we vainly strive 
To reach the aim by cruel bloody war. 
Warfare is ruin — Peace is happiness ! 
Wabeno spoke, the Meda of your tribe ! 

Ask. 
Askeeno speaks, the chieftain of your tribe ! 
I have not come to hear an idle sermon 
Which you — for aught I care — may hold to women. 
Brave men of Winnebago, warriors, 
Here stands Askeeno, decked we battle-glory, 
And now gravely insulted by a boy 
Who scarce did learn to swing the tomahawk. 
A Meda grants protection to the knave 
Whose foot profanes our fathers' holy altar, 
On which the tribes since hoary ages gathered 
On the Okiba-feast, to burn their offerings. 
A double profanation is committed, 
By the Menominee hoarding his prey, 
And by the priest who turns the sanctuary 
Into a refuge of accursed bawdry ! 

73 



Kickw. 
The Meda there has forfeited the right 
To act as priest of our tribe, hereafter. 

Dah. 
Nothing can keep us now to seize the boy, 
And to inflict just punishment upon him. 

Kickw. 
Aye, pull the coward down ! 

Some Warriors. 

Tear him to pieces ! 

Wab. 
Stand off ! Are you still sons of Manitu 
That, like impetuous boys in fiendish joy, 
The bird you torture which was haply caught? 
Fie on you ! Fie ! You say that he polluted 
The holy refuge? Poor, misguided mortals, 
Who fancy that the Master of all Life 
Has but for you, for none but you, created 
The universe, the fire of day, the starlight, 
The earth with all its lakes, its woods, its rivers, 
Created for the Winnebago only? 

This hallowed stead has been since countless sunrounds 
A place of worship for the many tribes 
Which Gitche Manitu has wisely scattered 
Far from the rising to the setting sun. 
I am his priest and guard the sacred soil. 
Accursed he, who raises deadly arms 
Against the rock of Gitche Manitu ! 

Ask. 
No hunter lets the bear he traps, escape — 
I have him and I hold him. On my girdle 
His scalp is missing — I must have it, must ! 

(He throws the scalp-rod, a long thin switch, decorated with furs and 
QUllls, at Mangothasie, barely touching his chest.) 

Mine is the scalp! 
Askeeno marked him with the scalp-rod. Dead 
Is the Menominee — alive and dead ! 

Nis. 
O, father, father! Woe! What have you done? 

Mang. 

(A9 though awaking from a swoon.) 

Dead — dead, they say — though still my heart is beating, 

38 



The strength of youth is streaming through my veins, 

My eyes still see the light of Osseo, 

My hand still clutches round the tomahawk. 

I laugh at you, Askeeno, and your scalp-rod, 

My pride recoils it. Mangothasie lives, 

To wash the stain of insult from his nation 

With Winnebago blood ! 

Nis. - 

Stay, Mangothasie! 

(Mangothasie leaps from the rock assailing Askeeno with the tomahawk.) 

Dah. 

(Endeavoring to protect Askeeno.) 

SaV (M°angothi e ie ! hurls his tomahawk upon Dahinta, dispatching him in- 

stantly.) 

Mang. 

Regained are life and honor 

And blotted out the scalp-rod's mark, Askeeno ! 
Now, Nisowassa, for my native village ! 

Kickw. 

(Throwing a lasso over Mangothasie.) f *,i*w' 

You scarce will find the road which leads you thither, 
Toad, vermin, skulking fox ; your flesh II tear 
In pieces from your bones ; the fire shall roast you, 
Until vou howl for mercy like a woman. 

(DteSnt thunder and lightning, gradually coming nearer.) 

Mang. 
Unknown are to a warrior of Menominee 
The lamentations of the torture-pole, 
Such as the Winnebago women sing. 

Kickw. 

Now drag him to the torture. 

The Warriors. 

To the torture! 

Nis. 
Not to the torture ! He is my betrothed. 
Hark ! Hark ! The Manitu of thunder rages ! 
He will not suffer that you torture him 

(Heavy peals of thunder.) 

Untie the bonds ! The Lord of Life commands ; 
Your ears are deaf— but Nisowassa hears 
The voice of Gitche Manitu above. 

(Thunder and lightning.) 



Hark ! Hark ! He speaks ! The ancient feud is ended, 
And henceforth love and happiness shall reign ! 

Ask. 
There you shall find your happiness and love. 

Nis. 
Kickwayuh's hands, the traitor, shall not touch 
The bride of Mangothasie never, never ! 

Ask. 
Put bonds on her ! 

Nis. 

On me? — Aye, bind me 
And drag me to the torture, there to die, 
At Mangothasie's side, a death of horror. 
I cannot live for hatred and revenge — 
Thus do I long to die for love and peace — 



(Curtain.) 



40 



ACT 3. 

(The scenic decoration of the first act. Daybreak. A heavy fog seems to 
envelop the distant landscape, gradually giving way to a deep crimson of the 
rising sun, which, by degrees, immerges the entire scene. In the left fore- 
ground, Mangothasie, tied to a tree. On his right and left, two sentries, over- 
come by sleep.) 

SCENE 1. 

(Mangothasie. Sentries.) 

- Mang. 
The morning dawns, and with his airy greetings, 
The fever breeding, deadly vapors vanish. 
The owl seeks for her bower — shadows fade, 
Bright sunrays rouse the sleepers from their couches 
And summon them upon the. hunting trail, 
For me, alas! no morning splendor glows — 
My destiny is dusk, despair, and death. 
Life's love and hopes and glees are gone for aye. 
O, reckless fool ! who thought, like Hiawatha, 
To make his brothers' lives sublime and happy, 
To be the nations' harbinger of peace ! 
Aye, great and lofty were such work, and worthy 
To be engraved upon a rocky panel ; 
Not I am chosen for this noble task 
But she — the wondrous flower, Nisowassa — 
Ere long, they'll bind you also ! 

SCENE 2. 

(The same. Oche-Mohesah, behind Mangothasie, whispering:) 

Oche-M. 

Mangothasie ! 
Mang. 



Who calls me? 

Hush ! 



Oche-M. 



Mang. 

The Meda — Monesah? 
What news have you of Nisowassa's fate? 
Where is she? Tell me, in Kickwayuh's wigwam? 

Oche-M. 
No, no ! Wabeno brought her to his squaw. 
Oh, had you followed me — all would be well ! 
But now? Alas, who can foretell the outcome! 



Mang. 
Speak, Monesah, is there still hope for me? 

Oche-M. 
Perhaps — but lo ! — the sunbeams woke the sleepers ; 
They stir — farewell — I shall stay near you. 

(She withdraws inaudibly.) 

SCENE 3. 

(The same, without Oche-M.) 

First Sentry. 

Help! 
Ho — Help ! The forest is ablaze — Help, help ! 
The wigwams burn — the eyes glare frightfully ! 

(He awakes.) 

I am a fool to frighten at a dream 

Naught but the sunlight woke me up. 

Second Sentry. 
(Awakening:) 



Has the Menominee escaped? 



How now, 



First Sentry. 

No, no. I dreamt ! 

Second Sentry. 
I thought, indeed, he did. How have you slept 
Upon your perch, Menominee? A frog, 
Your kin, is wont to sleep on leaves or poles. 
Ah, still asleep? You think that in a dream 
Your thongs are cut by Gitche Manitu? 

First Sentry. 
Ha, ha ! Just dream ! The lasso of Kickwayuh 
Defies the sharpest beaver tooth. 

Second Sentry. 

Forsooth ! 
You were a fool to choose the handsome Daysleep 
For your betrothed. Has your native village 
Not maids in plenty for such whimpering lads? 

First Sentry. 

(To his companion:) 

Did'st ever see a squaw of the Menominees? 

Second Sentry. 
Hm !— No. 



42 



First Sentry. 
That answers your inquiry. 
Second Sentry. 



Why 



First Sentry. 
The beauty-spirit did not smile on them, 
For they are ugly as the croaking toads. 

Second Sentry. 
Tis no surprise that Nisowassa charmed him ; 
Her beauty has no rival in the village. 

SCENE 4. 

(The same. Manamonah, from the right.) 

First Sentry. 
Where are you bound for, Wild-Rice? for the river, 
To cool your temper in the stream ? Look yonder, 
The altar is erected ! You were foolish 
To let Kickwayuh shrewdly slip away. 
Cheer up, now ! After thirty suns you may 
Enter his wigwam as his second squaw. 

Mana. 
Unless I'm first I care not be the second. 
But let my fate not cause you grave concern, 
He is not yet the spouse of Nisowassa. 

(Off to the left.) 

SCENE 5. 

(The sentries. Mangothasie. Kickwayuh, from the left.) 

Kickw. 
The Gitche Gumee's waves are crimson-crested, 
The air, the woods, the wigwam bathed in blood. 
Kickwayuh's wedding day has come — a day 

Of joy and vengeance ! Go, brave warriors, 

Go, rest, — and sharpen shafts and tomahawks, 
And stretch the bowstring, that you prove your skill 
On yonder boy, when game and torture start. - 

Second Sentry. 
Of that we've given proof before, methinks. 

First Sentry. 
The night was long and evil spirits came 

43 



Upon us in great numbers. Had I not 

Been on my guard they would have freed the captive. 

Kickw. 
Indeed? 

Second Sentry. 
Of evil sprites I killed full seven. 
It is a pity, though, that they were bald, 
Or seven scalps would hang upon my belt. 

First Sentry. 
Even Scabutha, the wicked, did appear, 
The father of Menominees. 

Second Sentry. 

I saw him first, 
When on this very spot, nay, here it was, 
His head protruded, larger, larger, larger, 

And coming nearer, nearer, nearer, nearer 

Until, at last, defying, dread and danger, 
I flung my tomahawk at him— and, lo ! 
He's gone — and dead. 

Kickw. 

Right so, my worthy brother! 
Go now and rest yourselves, while I keep watch. 

SCENE 6. 

(Mangothasie. Kickwayuh.) 

Kickw. 
We are alone, Menominee. 

Mang. 

Gitche Manitu, 
Is hovering o'er my head ; I feel his nearness. 
What does the Winnebago warrior ask 
Of the Menominee? 

Kickw. 

Forsaken is 
My enemy by the Great Spirit. Even 
The Manitu of evil cannot save him. 

Mang. 
So certain seems Kickwayuh that I am 
Forsaken by the Lord of Life ; I ask him, 
Why do his poisoned shafts not pierce the heart, 

44 



Which is defenseless? 

Kickw. 

Poison kills too fast, 
Nor will I rob the warriors of their pleasure. 
The tongue shall try its poison on you first. 

. Mang. 
What care I for the tongues of cowardly squaws. 

Kickw. 
Yet, one of them will strike you when the women 
And children wildly whirl the death-dance round you. 

Mang. 



Not Nisowassa, though- 



She'll not consent- 



Kickw. 

Aye, Nisowassa. 

Mang. 



Kickw. 

She will, she must consent. 

Mang. 
Your hatred has no power to compel her. 
I am your enemy — 'i is true. You hate me 
For Mangothasie is Menominee. 

Kickw. 
Not less I'd hate you were you Winnebago ; 
Nor therefore only would my hate pursue you. — 
Because you stole the love of Nisowassa, 
Because you stole the flower from our shore, 
The flower that blossomed on our sunny shore, 
The flower destined for Kickwayuh's wigwam, 
For naught but that I hate you, Mangothasie. 

Mang. 
She blossomed near you long before I saw her. 

Kickw. 
I saw her daily — and, I did not see her, 
Until, one day, the blindness left my eyes. 
I saw the light. She stood amid the braves, 
Wreathed in the glow of gleaming sunrise beauty. 
Her words, which like a firestream ignited 
The hearts of all our warriors, I heard. 
Into her eyes I gazed, and morning dawned 

45 



Within each gloomy recess of my soul. 
The ardent flame which rages in my bosom, 
Nothing can quench it but the maiden's kiss. 

Mang. 
Bereft of reason seems Kickwayuh. 

Kickw. 

Aye, 
Bereft of reason. Hark, young warrior! 
I do not wish your death, nor would the Daysleep. 

Forgive Kickwayuh if you die. Thus, listen ! 

I'll call you friend — nay, I will call you brother, 
Henceforward I will love you like a brother ; 
For the atonement of the hostile nations 
I'll lend a willing hand, a ready tongue ; 
I'll cut your withes, shield you from the torture, 
If you do pledge yourself that nevermore 
You'll cast a loving glance on Nisowassa, 
And that you will renounce her for all times 
What does my brother answer? 

Mang. 

Naught. And yet : 
Contempt is due to him who does not shrink 
From treachery against his native tribe ! 

Kickw. 
Menominee ! 

Mang. 
Well spoke the W 7 innebago, 
Well for himself he spoke — not for his people. 
Amazed is the Menominee. 

Kickw. 
I offered 
The calumet to the Menominee. 
He answers with the gory wampum girdle. 
He laughs at peace and all his words of friendship 
Were false ! 

Mang. 
In the Menominees' wigwams, 
False words are unknown to the warriors. 
The calumet you offer? By what right? 
By whose authority? Speak, does Kickwayuh 
Stand for his tribe? Who is Kickwayuh, tell me? 



A thoughtless boy, who fancies that a chief 
Of the Menominees would buy his life 
For such' a price! Go, Winnebago, go! 
And try your arrow, for my heart too blunt, 

Up0 (Oche t -M 11C !iiSen by Kickwayuh, approaches Mangothasie, under cover of 
the foliage of' the surrounding bushes, cuts the lasso which bmds him to the 
tree, and hands him a knife.) 

Kickw. 

(Throwing himself upon the apparently defenseless prisoner:) 

Ah! Then die!— 
Mang. 

(Dodges the intended knife-thrust of Kickwayuh, seizes him above th% 
hips ( and throws him to the ground, at the same time raising his taufe;) 

The curse of Gitche Manitu be with you 
Upon the path to everlasting darkness ! 

Oche-M. 
The talisman tear from his belt ! 

SCENE 7. 

(The same. Askeeno and several warriors.) 

Ask. 

Tearing Mang. back and forcing him to the ground:) 

Be not too rash, peace lover— quick, a lasso ! 
With bearskin I will tie you, firm enough, 
That not a finger of your hand shall stir. 

Kickw. 
Give me a knife, a knife ! —My talisman ! ■ 
I'm lost without it ! No one saw him take it ; 
Disgrace awaits me if it is discovered. 

(Whispering into Mangothasie's ears.) 

Give me my amulet, Menominee ! 

Mang. 



'Tis lost for you. 



I do not know. 



Ask. 

Who cut your thongs, Menominee 

Mang. 



Ask. 

Again, and for the last time 
Menominee, I ask : Who cut the lasso? 

Mang. 
You ask in vain ; I do not know myself, 



47 



Though an uncertain feeling tells me 
That Gitche Manitu has cut the withes 
And gave me yonder knife. The lasso loosened 
And in my hand I felt the weapon's handle. 

SCENE 8. 

(Wabeno, warriors, women and children.) 

Wab. 

(Raising the knife, a Spanish dagger, from the ground.) 

Hm — strange indeed, — who e'er saw such a knife? 

Kickw. 

The hand of Mangothasie broke my knife 

I'll trade this for the broken one. 

Wab. 

Stand off ! 

I saw a knife like this before- 

Several Warriors. 
When? 

Where? 

Wab. 
When? Where? A mist enwraps my spirits. 

Where was it? Look upon the blade, 

As bright and sparkling as the mountain crystal ; 
Ice-like the wondrous handle sheens. — It seems 

A talisman, no knife Look, men of Winnebago, 

Upon the picture, graved into the handle. 

Ask. 
An upright pole 

Kickw. 
A crossbeam near its end- 
Ask. 
A warrior hangs on it — arrows pierce him, 
Through hands and feet, through flesh and bones — 

Kickw. 

Ha! Ha! 
That is a sign of Gitche Manitu 
To show us how to torture the Menominee. 
Menominee! Did you hear? Through flesh and bones, 
Through hands and feet. Make ready, let us try him ! 

48 



Wab. 
Look ! At the warrior's feet, a woman kneels, 
With upward gazes — like in fervent prayer. 
He seems no victim of revenge, but love. 
I saw this picture at the holy mountain, 
Where, in a vision, Gitche Manitu 
Showed me the enemy. — I saw this woman 
Enwrapt in prayers to the dying man, 
The Gitche Manitu of pale-faced tribes. 

Ask. 
I care not for the pale-faced Manitu, 
Whom no one saw, of whom we have no knowledge* 
The red man owns the world. Since days of old 
It has been custom that the enemy 
Who fell into his conqueror's hands must die 
The death of torture at the pole. So be it 
With the Menominee. He shall suffer death, 
As shown upon this picture ; yet, before, 
He shall rejoice at Nisowassa's nuptials. 
Go, call my daughter hither ! 

SCENE 9. 

(The same. Nis., followed by six girls. Oche-M. whispering to Nis.,^ 

Oche-M. 

Pretend to yield, 
Whate'er be done, yours is the victory. 
Kickwayuh's talisman is in the hands 
Of Mangothasie. What may, further, seem 
Most prudent, I must leave to you. 

Nis. 
Thanks, thanks to you ! My father, once again 
Your child implores your mercy. Do not sell me 
To yonder man, whom I shall never love, 
Whom I disdain, despise. Lo ! in a dream 
The motley butterfly, through which the will 
Of Gitche Manitu is oft revealed, 
Whispered to me: Kickwayuh is unworthy 
To wed a noble Winnebago's daughter. 

Wab. 
Hear her, Askeenp ! Hear her ! 

49 



Ask. 
I do hear her ! 
I hear, too, that a woman speaks. Such dreams 
Are naught to manly reason. A warrior only 
Is learned in the meaning of deep dreams. 
My dream does tell me that my daughter weds 
A brave and worthy husband. Well expounded 
I find Askeeno's dream. Make ready now, 
And form a ring around the holy altar 

Of Gitche Manitu! Let drums and reeds 

Accompany the maidens' dance ! 

form a ring about her. Subdued music in primitive rythm.) 
form a ring about her. Subdued music in a primitive rythm.) 

First Girl. 



Her father's wigwam. 



The bride now leaves 



Ask. 

Fare you well, my daughter. 

First Girl. 
Farewell, O, gentle Nisowassa ! 
Yet, before you leave the altar, 
Let us tell you what is holy 
In the wigwam of the husband. 

Second Girl. 
Never let the blazing fire 
Die upon the wigwam's hearthstone. 

Third Girl. 
Keep the wigwam ever open 
For the stranger, when he, weary, 
Asks for shelter, in your dwelling. 

Fourth Girl. 
Give him food when he is hungry, 
He the guest, far from his homestead. 

Fifth Girl. 
For the sick and for the aged, 
Let your wigwam be a refuge. 

Sixth Girl. 
Does your spouse come from the warpath, 
Nurse him tenderly, if wounded. 

Seventh Girl. 
Sing your sweetest songs, when gloomy 

50 



Shadows sadden the beloved ; 

For he shields you and he feeds you, 

First Girl. 
Come Kickwayuh, lead your maiden 
To the wigwam you erected. 

Nis. 
Thanks, Oh, thanks to you, my sisters 
For your blessing and your wisdom 
Which your hearts like summer raindrops 
Pour into my thirsty bosom ! 
Come, Kickwayuh, to the altar. 
Hand your talisman the Meda 
That he lay his hands upon it, 
That Wabeno's hands may bless it, 
That it may protect the wigwam 
From the plagues of evil spirits. 
For an old tradition tells us : 
If a curse cleaves to the warrior's 
Talisman, he grows a burden 
To his squaw and to his children. 

(Kickwayuh, struggling with a resolution, stands riveted to the spot. M§ 
makes fan St at spelkinf, hut is unable to utter a sound.) 

Wab. 
Kickwayuh, do you hear?— The talisman. 

Kickw. (panting). 

Wabeno— Nisowassa — Great Askeeno, 

All listen— an unlucky accident — 

O, earth, devour me !— Gitche Manitu, 

Hurl down your thunderbolts upon my head ! 

Come raging flood of Gitche Gumee, tear me 

Away from here into your gloomy depths ! 

He , the Menominee, stole my amulet. 

Warriors, Women and Children, 

His talisman ! 

Woe ! 

Woe! 

Most horrible ! 

Wab. 

You are accursed ! 

Kickw. 
Accursed ? Look there, look there ! 



51 



He stole it from me 

(He tries to take the amulet from Mangothasie.) 

Wab. 

Stop ! In stranger's hands 
The amulet has lost its charm for you. 

Kickw. 

Be merciful ! Askeeno Nisowassa ! 

Nis. 
Go, coward ! To your origin return ! 
You fancied to protect your squaw, your children, 
And could not even shield yourself? Begone! 
Out of my sight ! 

Wab. 

You are accursed, and henceforth 
An outlaw of the Winnebago tribe ! 

Kickw. 
No, no ! — Askeeno !■ — Braves ! 

Ask. 

Such is the law 
And such the custom, too. He who does lose 
His talisman is banished, is dishonored, 
Condemned, he wanders, homeless, through the woods 
Until he captures from a tiving foe 
Another amulet. 

Kickw. 

'Tis well— I'll go. 
But I'll return — remember — I'll return ! 
And you, build up your work of peace, Wabeno. 
I know a spot which sickens. Ha! Ha! Ha! 
But, woe to you! Menominee, if I find you! 
And that I shall, some day — depend on it ! 

(While Kickwayuh goes to the background, all cover their faces. He 
ascends a ledge and suddenly bursts out into a loud laughter.) 

An ermin skin, 
Borne on a pole, and a canoe with men — 
Menominees, as messengers of peace ! 
Good luck ! On the Okiba festival 
We'll meet again ! 

(He runs off to the left.) 

52 



SCENE ro. 

(The same, without Kickwayuh.) 

Wab. 

(Releasing Mango thasie : ) 

The sunlight, which no longer shines for him, 
Now brightly radiates above your head. 
Usage and laws are sacred to our tribe, 
Thus free is Mangothasie, free to choose, 
By virtue of the talisman which shields him, 
To be a noble son of Winnebago. 

Mang. 
No higher aspiration stirs my heart, 
A son of Winnebago — and you all 
The sons of the Menominees. Askeeno 
My father you, and I your son, henceforth ! 
Henceforth no Winnebagos, no Menominees, 
Henceforth a single tribe, a mighty tribe ! 
United do we meet the pale-faced men 
Who, with the rising sun, came to our land. 
Askeeno, from my hand receive this knife 
Receive it from me as a gift of love, 
Receive it from a foe, no longer foe. 
The Great Flood festival is drawing nigh, 
On which the men of our tribes assemble 
Upon the holy mountain, to inter 
The war-clubs and the tomahawks forever ; 
Will all the Winnebago braves attend? 

Wab. 

They will. 

Mang. 

And will Askeeno? 

Ask. 

No! The eagle 
Does not change to a duckeggs-hatching loon. 

Nis. 
Since all are peaceably inclined, my father 
Will not persist in further enmity? 

Wab. 
When did Askeeno shun a holy feast? 



53 



Ask. 
Because it was a holy feast. But now 
The sacred refuge serves for dastardy. 

Wab. 
Do not call dastardy what need commands. 

Ask. 
What do the warriors, my brothers, say? 

Massa. 
I am for peace, though in this bosom beats 
A warrior's heart, which knows no cowardice. 
Can you recall the night, the dreadful night, 
When, for the last time, at your side I fought? 
When, murdered in the prime of youth, your wife 
And mine sank dead to our feet? Oh, speak, 
Can you recall the pledge that bound us since? 

Ask. 
You. ask me whether I recall that night? 
Still do I see the dry sand drink her blood, 
Still do I hear her groaning at my feet, 
Her failing glances crying loud for vengeance — 
If I recall that night? — I'll give you answer 
On the Okiba festival. • — 

(He contemplates the knife.) 

This blade 
Decides the fate of the two tribes — 'Tis well, 
I shall attend! 



(Curtain.) 



u 



ACT 4. 

(At the holy hill. Daybreak. Pale moonlight. A fog enshrouds the dis- 
tant prospect. The chirping of crickets and the croaking of frogs are heard. 
Now and then, the voice of a bird sounds through the stillness of the early 
morning. A grayish-green light spreads over the landscape. Fire-flies appear 
and disappear. After a short time, isolated rays emerge from the hazy shroud, 
like awaking sunbeams, casting a magic lustre upon the treetops. Gradually, 
the rays of light grow more intense, the moonlight weaker, giving way to a 
dainty crimson. Sunrise towards the end of the play.) 

SCENE 1. 

(Askeeno, Kickwayuh.) 

Ask. 
O, sacred soil on which since days of old 
The many tribes assembled peacefully, 
To sacrifice to Gitche Manitu, 
Oh, do not tremble, as I tread on you ! 
Askeeno, treason in his heart, has come 
Allured by the expatriated's call. 

% ^c jji 

What end does tribal friendship serve? No, no! 

While still Menoninees pray on this spot, 

There is no peace. — Who calls it treachery 

If I destroy the foe by cunning plans? 

The beaver goes into the trap, the fish 

Into the net ; the wolf is caught in snares — 

Menominee and wolf — they are alike ; 

Both bring us danger — both must be destroyed. 

(The cry of an owl is heard from a distance. Ask. pauses, then as if by a 
sudden resolution:) 

Kickwayuh — he — 'tis well. 

(He responds to the call.) 

SCENE 2. 

(Askeenno, Kickwayuh, arriving in a canoe.) 

• Kickw. 



(From the boat:) 

'Tis I, Kickwayuh. 

(Alighting.) 

That you have come. 



Askeeno — you ? 
Ask. 

Kickw. 

Thanks to Manitu 

55 



Ask. 

This place is consecrated 
And never may you set your foot upon it, 
Have you forgotten that a curse pursues you? 

Kickw. 
What is a curse to the despondent wretch, 
Disgraced, dishonored, banished by his tribe? 
Naught can I lose but an infamous life, 
Oh, had I lost my talisman in battle, 

In open strife ! Yet, useless are my plainings. 

This day, or none shall bring me certainty. 
If I succeed, I gain more than I lost, 
And our deed and our names re-echo 
Forever in the songs of our braves. 

Ask. 
Why did you call me? 

Kickw. 

Do not hide your heart 
From me, Askeeno, for your glaring eyes 
Betray that you have understood me well — 
Thrice did you see the fiery shaft which thrice 
My bow did send to you. 

Ask. 
I saw your missile ; 
I followed — with reluctance — yet, I followed 
What does Kickwayuh ask? 

Kickw. 

I do forbear 
To picture the afflictions and the grief 
I suffered when I left my native tribe ; 
The offsprings of those gloomy hours, though 
I shall disclose to you. Who will to-day 
Appear in the disguise of Nukomah, 
The Manitu of light? 

Ask. 
Wabeno Tshano. 

Kickw. 
Then I shall come, disguised as Scabutha. 

Ask. 
Has madness struck you ? 

56 



Kickw. 

What in lonely hours 
I planned is urging like the drizzling spring 
Upward and on — and mountain torrent-like 
Plunges Menominees and tribal pqace 
Into the bottomless abyss. 

Ask. 

Enough ! 
This deed I would accomplish unassisted; 
For Mangothasie's gift of love — this knife, 
Was destined to deliver us for aye 
From such ignoble, womanish friendship plans. 

Kickw. 
Nay, listen : — Scarce an arrow-shot from here 
Lies a Menominee hidden in the coppice, 
Disguised as Scabutha, the time awaiting 
Which calls him to the ring of warriors, 
Tis rumored that he will not, as is wont, 
Boldly renew the enmity to-day, 
But fall, struck by the Meda's hand, and, dying, 
Give birth to everlasting harmony. 

Ask. 

If such the scheme — here is my hand, Kickwayuh. 
Explain to me what further you have planned. 

Kickw. 

As all the braves assemble here unarmed 

I have provided arrows, bows, and axes 

In prudent foresight. Under leaves and mosses 

They are concealed near yonder ledge, so numerous 

That they suffice to arm each Winnebago. 

Ask. 
Shall I heap treason on my hoary head? 
Go, go ! The desert spirit sent you hither 
To turn a warrior into a villain. 

Kickw. 

I have not finished The Menominee, 

Who is disguised as Scabutha, I'll strangle 
And in his cloak I'll act the fiend myself. 

57 



Ask. 
I could detest your cunning would I not 
Admire it. 

Kickw. 
Ha! Then you have understood me? 
Instead of Scabutha, the vanquished fiend 
I shall appear as glorious battle-eagle, 
Rekindling to a blaze the glow of hatred ; 
And while into the hearts of our braves 
You pour the burning flood of eloquence, 
I secretly supply the braves with arms. 
You, as the first, assault the chief Wabasso, 
While I do throw myself on Mangothasie. 
Thus, at the same time of their chiefs bereft, 
The others, unarmed, fall without resistance 
By our brothers. Then, triumphantly, 
To the Menominee village, massacring 
All that is living, old men, children, squaws, 

Then peace will reign for aye. 

Ask. 

Yes, peace of death ! 
Kickw. 
The morning dawns — come, come, let us prepare. 

(They walk off to the right.) 

SCENE 3. 

(Nisowassa.) 

Nis. ' 
Oh, deep, unfathomable human heart! 
Poor brother-tribe and tenfold poorer father ! 
Like to the skulking prairie-wolf you long 
To drink the blood of brothers. O, my father, 
I scarce believe that you are still my father ! 
Alas ! I feel that I am bound to him 
With thousand thongs. — Release me, Manitu, 
And Midjekiewis, let your tempests' wrath 
Rend me asunder that I ne'er again 
May see my home, my shame-decked native land ! 
O, sacred ground, in whose God-blessecl nearness 
The words of hate are dumb, — your echoes, soon, 
Will sing sweet, gentle melodies of peace. 
The morning breaks — the precious seed of love 

58 






Takes roots, shoots forth its buds and blossoms — 
A tiny fruit awakes — and, lo ! unmerciful 
The icy North breaks forth in fiendish fury — 
Heart-broken, bleeding suiks the dainty blossom 
Into the dust — dead, dead forevermore ! 

(She breaks down, violently weeping.) 

What drove me to this place which is to-day 

Forbidden to the women ? — Aye — O, Manitu ! 

Almighty Master of the universe, 

To you alone I will — I must confess 

What I have seen — what ne'er a warrior dared 

He dared to do. — Deep hidden in his wampum 

The deadly arm, he comes to the Okiba — 

In place of peace he carries war with him 

In place of love he carries wrath with him, 

A traitor he, a traitor to his tribe. 

A traitor he, a traitor to his tribe. 

Here, by the mouldering bones of our fathers, 

I do beseech you, Gitche Manitu : — 

Throw light into my soul — what shall I do 

That the disgraceful deed be left undone? 

(She inclines her head to the ground and remains in this posture for the 
length of a minute. Suddenly she gives a start, as if struck with a terrible 
thought.) 

My father ! No, no, no ! That cannot be ! 

At first, a gentle whisper lulled my ear, 

But ever waxing now like tempest raging, 

In frantic turbulence it fills the air; 

Father or Nation — Nation or Father — 

Oh, that I ne'er had seen the daylight's splendor, 

Or that I lay, the silent bride of death, 

Proud oak-tree, at your feet, — I»were redeemed; 

They come! — Blindfolded do they run 

To meet their ruin. Gitche Manitu 

Unto your wisdom's holy word I yield. 

(She hides behind the first tree, in the right foreground.) 

SCENE 4. 

(Massanoh with a number of Winnebago warriors, from the left.) 

Massa. 
Askeeno not yet here? hm — strange indeed. 
The fire-flies still played in shrubs and coppice 
When noiselessly he started, as bethought me, 

59 






To be the first one at the holy hill, 
As is his wont. 

A Warrior, 

(Pointing to the river:) 

They come in six canoes, 
The sign of peace high fluttering in the wind. 

Massa. 
Let us withdraw that the Menominees 
May undisturbed approach the spirits' haunt, 
It is not good to see a hostile eye, 
While sending prayers to the Lord of Life. 

(They withdraw to the left.) 

SCENE 5. 

(Mangothasie, Wabasso and about 20 Menominees arrive in boats and 
alight.) 

Wabasso. 
I greet you, sacred birthplace of my fathers !— 
Give me your hand, my Mangothasie, for 
Yours is the work that I have found the path 
Which leads me to the holy festival 
Of peace and of atonement. 

Mang. 
Not to me, 
But to the noble Winnebago maiden 
The nations owe undying gratitude 
If peace does crown this day. 

Waba. 

You have still doubts? 

Mang. 
Look there ! An eagle soars in azure regions — 
He proudly rocks in his aerial realm 
On sunshine-gilded pinions, eager-eyed. 
His winged kindred fancy him secure — 
Behold me ! 

(He aims at the bird and shoots. After a few moments the eagle falls 
dead to his feet.) » 

Man is all too prone 
To feel secure among his fellow-beings. 

Waba. 
The forest's son is not unlike the eagle ; 
Blood-thirsty he destroys his weaker like. 



Mang. 

(Fastening his weapons to a pole:) 

Upon this holy place I'll lay the bow, 
The quiver and the arrows, Manitu, 
Release them from the curse of fratricide! 

Waba. 
They come, they come ! 

Mang. 

O, Master of the world, 
Lend moderation to the sighs of mourning 
And sunglow-fervor to the words of love ! 

(The warriors seat themselves on ledges and stumps on the left side of the 
stage, Wabasso, as the first, next Mangothasie, then the rest.) 

SCENE 6. 

(The same. Massano and the Winnebagos take their seats on the right 
!£ ' ^ n i a simi i ar manner. Askeeno remains for a few moments standing in 
the background his hate-betraying glances sweeping over the assembled 
3KS?" n - ee * ^ he ? £ e T alk l slowly to the right foreground and seats himself 
directly m front of the tree behind which Nisowassa is concealed. He beckons 

LO JVLclSSclIlO. ) 

Massano. 

(Builds a fire in the center of the stage.) 

Mangothasie. 

(Goes to Massano, who hands him a tobacco bag with which he fills the 
peacepipe which he carries on his girdle. Taking a small firebrand, he ignites the 
pipe and hands it to Wabasso.) 

Waba. 

+~ u . (Rlses + slowly casts a penetrating glance on the assembly, carries the pipe 
the foiSTardiSa? dtats-) Sm ° ke int ° the air ' towards tne ground, and towards 
(Towards Heaven:) 

O, Gitche Manitu, in gratitude 

I send to you the calumet's sweet smoke, 

Whose holy usage you have taught your children. 

(Towards the ground:) 

And you, O, Mother Earth, who feeds us* all. 

(Towards the South:) 

To you, O, gentle Southwind, whose mild breath 
Does break the fury of the Northland's gales. 

(Towards the North:) 

To you refreshing and invigorating Northwind. 

(Towards the East:) 

To you, O, Sun, whose heavenly light does bring 
The new-born day, new life, new happiness. 

(Towards the West:) 

And you, still Evening, who gives us sleep. 

a , ( He h and s th e pipe to Mangothasie, who, in turn, passes it to Askeeno 
Askeeno takes a short draught and then hands the pipe to his neighbor In this 
manner it finally reaches Mangothasie, who takes the last draught and then 
fastens it by means of a cord to a pole.) 

til 



Waba. 
The sign of peace adorns the sacred stead, 
And in its keeping do we open now 
The ancient festival of the Okiba. 

SCENE 7... 

(The same. Wabeno, dressed in white skins, arrives in a boat, standing 
erect:) 

Wab. 
The waters are sinking, 
The darkness is fled. 
Thus, Mother Earth, do you rise 
From the dismal abyss 
To the glorious light 
And nature again, in her brightest array, 
Does greet the new life and the new-born day. 

Waba. 
Watersprite, what leads you hither? 

Wab. 
To remind you I have come 
That, of yore, the Lord of Life 
Poured the raincloud on the earth 
To destroy his wicked children, 
To destroy all that was wicked. 
From the Holy Hill the waters 
First receded, and anew 
Gitche Manitu created 
All that grows and all that breathes, 
On his face the red son fell, 
Thanking Gitche Manitu 
For his life, his peace, his joys. 
And the Lord of Life commanded 
Him to found another race, 
Strangers to the wrongs and wrangles 
Of his children that had perished. 
You, the heirs unto this noble, 
Lofty work : Where is your love, 
Where affection, where is peace, 
Gitche Manitu's command? 
Woe ! What does my eye behold ! 
I latred, persecution, death, 



Discord, feud, and fratricide. 
Eastward, with the rising sun, 
Pale-faced warriors alighted, 
Weaponed with a thundering bow 
And with lightning-pinioned arrows. 
They'll wage war against the red men ; 
You will fall, and you will perish, 
If not you depart in friendship 
Ere the evening shadows lower. 

SCENE 8. 

(The same. Kickwayuh, dressed in black, arrives in a boat.) 

Kickw. 
False is Nukomah's report ! 
Who did ever see a pale-face? 
Neither I nor you did see him. 
Wherefore has man been created 
If for strife not and for battle? 
What you build I shall destroy! 

Wab. 
Scabutha, you desert-spirit, 
If in villainous endeavor 
You disturb the tribal friendship, 
You destroy the tribal peace 
Terror-stricken feel my power 
I will scourge you, I will slay you; 
Never will you rise again ! 

Kickw. 
You are boastful. Sprite of Light ! — 
Though I am a gloomy fellow, 
Though I dwell in barren mountains 
I am mightier than you. 
Rest and peace you crave, but I 
Turmoil, combat, battlecry ! 

Wab. 
Gitche Manitu above us 
Hurl his thunderbolts upon you 
Evil-hearted desert-offspring. 

Kickw. 
Howl and clamor, Nukomah ! 

6.J 



Yonder warriors I'll ask : 
Warriors, men of Winnebago — 

Mang. 
Stop — ! I have recognized him — 'tis Kickwaynh, 
Who vily stole into our peaceful meeting, 
Though banished from his tribe. Menominees 
And Winnebagos, let your ears be deaf! 
The mouth of the accursed breathes poison. 
Peace in their hearts, the tribes assembled here 
He seeks destruction of our noble task. 

But he shall not succeed ! 

Ask. 

(Lowly muttering-:) 

The game is lost. 
Mang. 
We came to bury our battle-axes 
For all times. — Gitche Manitu 
Has given us the red-hued countenances 
That we may know thereby that we are brothers ; 
He gave the wolf to us, the bear, the panther 
Lest we destroy each other. Lo, Askeeno ! 
The foe we have to fear comes from the East. 
Not that the red man's blood shall crimson it 
The tomahawk was made — No, no, for him, 
The death-hued, fiend-begotten enemy, 
The offspring of the chief of evil spirits. 

Ask. 
Ha ! Do you love the Winnebago, speak ? 
I have no love for the Menominee ; 
No Winnebago warrior has. A cur 
Did the Menominee call the Winnebago, 
Mire and Morasses did he name his wigwams. 
A tribe of women were the Winnebagos. 
Come to Askeeno's wigwam, and behold 
How many scalps the Winnebago women 
Tore from your heads ! Aye, sweet it sounds, 
The word of brother-love, and unity 
Is well our need — Yet, to such lofty goal 
But one road leads : Tear off the tuft of hair 
E'en from the last of the Menominee chiefs, 
To ashes burn their youths, and lead their squaws 

64 




Into our wigwams For the Winnebagos 

Will never live at peace with the Menominees 
Awake Kickwayuh, let the brawl begin ! 

(He draws his knife.) 

SCENE 9. 

(The same. Nisowassa throws herself upon Askeeno, from the rear. A 
short fight ensues. She snatches the knife from him.) 

Nis. 
Down, flood of tears, and drown my bosom's woe ! 
Die, father, die, by Nisowassa's hand ! 

(She stabs him. Askeeno falls into her arm and sinks slowly to the 
ground.) 

Kickw. 

(Passing weapons to the Winnebagos:) 

Here weapons, men of Winnebago, weapons 
Here ! Throw them down, let not a man escape ! 

Wab. 

Ha ! Traitor, die —but no, fly, fly, and hide 

Your crime in gloomy forests. 

(Kickwayuh, perceiving the hostile attitude of the Winnebagos towards 
him, quickly withdraws.) 

Mang. 

Nisowassa ! 
What have you done? 

Waba. 

A daughter's hand has shed 
Her father's blood — Oh, woeful, cruel deed ! 

Nis. 

(Who has been standing transfixed and barely conscious of her act:) 

O, father ! father ! father ! — Look once more 
Into your Nisowassa's eyes — Not so, 
Not so ! — Not hatred led my hand 
But love — love for my helpless people ! 

Ask. 

(Raising himself slowly, supported by Nisowassa:) 

The breath is fleeting my revenge unquenched — 

Hard was your thrust my child, my Nisowassa. 

Your father's blood was shed in vain in vain 

I see them come in long, long, strange array 

Pale-faced — Menominees ! — ; — Stay with me child. 

I see — the forests fall — the brothers fall 

Your father's blood was shed in vain — in vain ! 

65 



Come, come, my child : — my hatred is 

unquenched. 

(He falls back and expires.) 

Nis. 

I follow father, aye not unavenged 

Shall be Askeeno's death. You wanted peace ! 
Look on a feeble woman's bloody deed; 

My dearest treasure I have sacrificed 

Peace — ! Peace ! and peace to me ! 

(She stabs herself.) 

Mang. 

(Catching her in his arms:) 

O, Nisowassa ! 
Nis. 
Into your heart I strew the precious seed — 

Oh, cherish it, that it may grow may blossom ! 

Mang. 

(Lays her gently down, then rises slowly and extends his arms to both 
sides.) 

Peace ! 



THE END. 



66 



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